• Fitness app POPiN gives users access to a variety of premium gyms in New York City and only charges them for minutes they spend in the gym — nothing more, and nothing less. 
• Simply scan the app at the front desk to start the timer, then use the gym's equipment and facilities or take a class for any amount of time you want. When you're done, you just scan the app again to check out and stop the counter.
• I tried POPiN and loved how it let me incorporate fitness into my busy schedule, whether I had an unexpected gap in between commitments or wanted to mix up my workout routine. 

Going to the same gym every day offers much-needed consistency and reliability, but it can also get boring after a few months, or it's simply not possible due to travel or busy schedules. When your weekly schedule resembles less of a regimented schedule and more of a free-flowing string of events, meetings, and life happenings, it's unlikely that you're able to commit to a single gym or gym chain. 

POPiN is a free app for anyone who wants variety and flexibility in their workout routine, whether out of preference or necessity. It lets you "pop in" to any participating gym (currently only in New York City) and only pay for the time you're there, down to the minute. 

Gyms usually charge a monthly or yearly fee for unlimited access to its facilities, but this design isn't ideal if you don't want to or can't visit the same gym often. With POPiN, you can skip the expensive daily passes or annual memberships, and work out on your own time. The app charges you for every minute you're in the gym and you can visit as many of its participating gyms as you want, making it a flexible, affordable, and commitment-free way to stay fit. 

Always a fan of services that address the growing population of people who aren't tied down to traditional physical spaces, I downloaded POPiN to give it a try.

This is what it was like to use the app. 

First, browse POPiN's selection of participating gyms and view detailed information about each one to see which one you want to visit. 

You can search directly by gym name or location, and filter by price and amenities. For each gym, you'll be able to view:

• Photos of the space 
• Available amenities (e.g. shower, spa, digital locker) 
• A map and directions to the gym 
• Class schedules, if the gym offers classes 

Once you arrive at the gym, pull up the app and scan the QR code at the front desk, which should have an iPad ready with the corresponding code.  

The clock starts ticking once you've checked in. Rates range from $0.14 to $0.35 per minute depending on the gym, which means you can spend as little as $8.40 per hour for your workout. 

After you check out at the end of your workout by scanning your app at the front desk again, you'll immediately see a summary of how much time you spent and how much will be charged to the card on your account. You can also rate your experience to help other users choose a gym. 

While I'm a creature of habit, I still appreciate variety and flexibility in my life. POPiN's design fulfilled that need. 

I saw that one of the gyms was less than half a mile away from my office, so one day after work I popped in and took a great spin class for only $10. Another night, I had plans to go a concert but the venue was halfway between my office and apartment, and I didn't want to waste time traveling back and forth. I found a gym a few blocks away from the concert venue, squeezed a short workout in, and paid an accordingly small price. 

I loved that I could try out new gyms without the commitment of paying for a membership and get a sense of which ones I would return to in the future. I could enjoy the best parts of each gym rather than commit to only one gym chain.

Premium gyms can cost $140 a month, but I don't necessarily need premium services all the time, and I'm a girl on a budget. I like running outside and doing at-home workouts as well, so POPiN served as an excellent, affordable way to fill in the gaps with classes and weight training. 

The app also emphasizes that time truly is money. Knowing that I was paying by the minute, I was hyper-aware of the quality of my workout and didn't waste time scrolling through my phone or dawdling like I normally would. Each action or repetition felt more intentional — it'd be wasteful otherwise. 

One feature that wasn't immediately intuitive for me was scanning my app before leaving the gym. I'm used to simply walking out the doors after a workout, especially if I'm tired and operating on auto-pilot. However, if you forget to check out and don't realize until two hours later like I did, you can just email POPiN's support team to resolve the issue. Don't worry: You won't have to pay $60 for your mistake. 

The flexibility and affordability of POPiN might remind you of popular service ClassPass, but they differ in a few key areas. 

ClassPass is a membership that gives access to only studio fitness classes (e.g. spin, barre), has cancellation fees, and is available nationwide. Meanwhile, POPiN doesn't require a commitment, gives access to gym equipment, facilities, and classes (though the classes are not at dedicated studios), has no cancellation fees, and is only available in New York City for the time being. 

If you are a hardcore studio class enthusiast, ClassPass is probably a better service for you. But if you want even more flexibility and like to work out through a variety of methods, you should try POPiN. 

With POPiN, I could make gym time work with my life instead of the other way around, and it changed the way I valued each workout.

Download POPiN for free here to start working out at gyms around New York City.

SEE ALSO: Aaptiv, a $10-a-month fitness app, gets me unlimited access to thousands of audio workout classes

DON'T MISS: 6 affordable products that have helped me deal with back pain and muscle tension

Join the conversation about this story »

• Suavs are stylish, packable shoes made from 3D-printed knit material.
• They're lightweight, breathable, and can be bent into compact, travel-friendly shapes. 
• Prices range from $50 - $110, putting them on par with other slip-ons like Allbirds and Vivobarefoot.
• We tested out the company's $95 Zilker and $110 Legacy and were impressed. Find our full thoughts below.

In the dreamscape of breathable, comfortable, (actually) good-looking sneakers, there are some noteworthy new players.

The cult-favorite startup Allbirds makes comfortable sneakers and loungers from proprietary merino wool and tree leaves respectively, Vivobarefoot makes barefoot-like shoes that roll up to the size of a pair of socks, and Suavs — a name you likely recognize from targeted ads on Facebook or Instagram — is the latest addition to the scene. And it's a rather great one at that.

Suavs are essentially flexible sneakers made from a soft, breathable 3D-printed knit. They have lightweight, non-slip rubber soles and removable, washable insoles so you don't have to wear socks. The ventilated uppers and sweat-wicking technology keep feet dry, and the flexible materials like rubber and knit make the shoes feel responsive and seamless to move in. They've been designed specifically to prevent blisters, and are sustainably manufactured to reduce material waste. For traveling, they can be bent into virtually any shape (ie. balled up to fit into a carry-on).

All in all, Suavs are shoes primed for either traveling or everyday life: compact, lightweight, and low-maintenance. In terms of cost, they're pretty much on par with other breathable slip-ons, ranging from $50 - $110.

Like many popular online startups, Suavs launched on Kickstarter. Its founders proposed creating one go-to pair of shoes for the office, happy hour, and your next trip. They raised over $150,000 altogether.

Suavs shoes are unisex, but the site categorizes them by gender. For men, the shoe options are the classic $95 Zilker (shown above), the $50 Zilker in Air Mesh, and the $110 Legacy (a high-top). For women, it's the same with the addition of the $95 Barton (a loafer). Colors range from fiery red and salmon pink to neutrals, with emphasis on the latter.

The Suavs site and option range is limited, but don't be fooled: the product is surprisingly good. The company sent us pairs to test, and we were impressed by how much we liked them. You can find our full thoughts below, but the consensus is that Suavs are one of the better options out there for travel-friendly and style-friendly shoes. The sizing can be off (read below for our tips), but they're generally comfortable, versatile, and worth the $90+ if their claims appeal to you. 

Find our personal experiences with the Suavs shoes below:

Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter: Suavs Zilker, Charcoal, $95

These shoes will sneak up on you. You'll realize on Friday that you've already worn them three times to work this week. You're pulling them on to grab groceries and when you wake up knowing it's going to be a four-cups-of-coffee kind of day. Or, at least, that's how they've been for me.

The Zilkers surprised me because they're just your average, un-offending sneaker in style. This makes them versatile, but I prefer my Allbirds Runners ($95) in terms of looks alone. What makes them so easy to default to, though, is how totally lightweight, packable, versatile, and comfy they are to wear. They go with jeans at the grocery store, leggings at the airport, and work pants at the office. They're generally breathable, have never given me blisters, and have a slender, flexible composition that makes them ideal for stuffing into a carry-on. The machine-washable insoles are also a big hygienic and low-maintenance plus.

My one piece of advice is to size up if you're considering it and/or wear a half size. They only come in full sizes, and the shoes run on the snug end of the spectrum. 

Connie Chen, Insider Picks reporter: Suavs Zilker, Heathered Grey, $95

The Suavs Zilker is one of the few pairs of shoes I can honestly say requires zero break-in time. As much as I love my Allbirds Runners and Skippers ($95), even those admittedly rubbed up against my heel when I first wore them. The soft, knitted Suavs shoes, however, were ready to go from the moment I slipped my feet in. They're light and very flexible, and even in the midst of a late summer heat wave, breathable. I got them in the versatile Heathered Grey, and plan on wearing them often, especially while traveling.

Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor: Suavs Zilker, Heathered Grey, $95

I found the Suavs to be almost exactly as comfortable as my Allbirds, albeit slightly less supportive. But that doesn't matter to me so much when I'm just out running errands or hanging out in my neighborhood, which is exactly what I'll continue using these shoes for. I wouldn't think twice about wearing these while walking around the city, but it's worth mentioning that they're not extremely cushioned, and the arch support isn't quite as significant as some other people might require on long walks. In terms of sizing, I'm a 7.5, but I ordered an 8 because they say to go up a half size. I can definitely confirm that advice.

David Slotnick, Insider Picks senior reporter: Suavs Zilker, Heathered Grey, $95

When I travel I always fight the impulse to bring an extra pair of sneakers or shoes, since they tend to take up so much room in my luggage. Suavs work perfectly as an exception — they pack flat and can even be folded or rolled up, so they're easy to shove in the corner of your bag. They're comfortable, too. I might not wear them as my primary shoe when I'm on a trip and know I'm going to do a lot of walking on paved city streets, but if my main pair gets soaked or ruined, they'll definitely do the trick. You can wear them with socks, but they'll look a bit weird — these shoes are definitely meant to be worn sockless or with no-shows.

Owen Burke, Insider Picks guides reporter: Suavs Legacy, Jet Black, $110

I love how lightweight and flexible Suavs are. They're simplistic, comfortable, and supportive. If I have any bones to pick, they'd be that it's not as breathable as I had hoped, and I'll probably put mine away until the summer humidity lifts. As far as sizing goes, I have trouble fitting into a size 12 in these shoes, though I'm usually no more than an 11 (though the company does recommend going up one size). Otherwise, they seem like they'll last a while, and compress almost flat and are great for packing.

Shop Suavs shoes here >>

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• A shower curtain liner protects your decorative, more expensive shower curtain and helps prevent water from escaping to the bathroom floor. 
• We researched several shower curtain liners to find the best ones to fit every budget and shower configuration.

When it's time for a shower, you probably don't give much thought to a shower curtain liner until you see puddles of water all over the floor. A shower curtain liner helps keep water contained and protects your more expensive decorative shower curtain from mildew, cleaning products that could cause discoloration, and frequent washings that can fade the fabric.

Before you shop for a liner, it's vital to measure the shower so that you will purchase the correct size. Most liners are a standard 72 inches by 72 inches. However, that size simply won't work on larger shower stalls or in a custom designed shower and tub.  

To find the correct size, measure the width of your shower rod or circumference of the track for free-standing claw-foot tubs and showers. Add 12 inches to the measurement to prevent leaks along the edges. To find the best length, measure from the bottom of the shower curtain rod to the top of the tub or the floor of the shower. For a tub and shower combo, add 4 inches to the length so that the liner will fall inside the tub to prevent water leakage.

If you have a shower curtain that opens in the middle like drapes, purchase two appropriately-sized liners for full coverage.

Whether you choose a top-of-the-line shower curtain liner or a budget-friendly one, be sure to select one that contains weights or magnets along the bottom hem. The magnets will cling to tubs that contain metal or act as weights in fiberglass fixtures to keep the liner in place. This is particularly important for lightweight liners or if you have high water pressure that creates a vortex that pulls the liner inward. No one wants to battle the shower curtain liner every morning.

Here are the best shower curtain liners you can buy:

• Best shower curtain liner on a budget: Room Essentials Solid Super Soft PEVA Shower Liner
• Best extra large shower curtain liner: N&Y Home Extra Wide Shower Curtain Liner
• Best fabric shower curtain liner: Maytex Microfiber Textured Shower Curtain Liner
• Best shower curtain liner with storage pockets: PEVA Chlorine/ Odor Free Shower Curtain/ Liner with 9 Mesh Pockets
• Best mildew-resistant shower curtain liner: LiBa Mildew Resistant Anti-Bacterial Shower Curtain Liner

Updated on 06/24/2019 by Les Shu: Updated selections, prices, links, and formatting.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

The best shower curtain liner on a budget

If you are looking for an inexpensive but functional shower curtain liner, Target's Room Essentials Solid Super Soft PEVA Shower Liner is a great choice.

While this shower curtain liner is not on the cutting edge of fashion, Target's Room Essentials Solid Super Soft PEVA Shower Liner is an excellent buy for anyone on a budget. The 71-by-70-inch liner offers features that you probably won't find in other lower-cost liners.

Made of a soft non-chlorinated PEVA or polyethylene vinyl acetate, the liner is a good choice over PVC or polyvinyl chloride liners. There are concerns about the health effects and fumes that arise when PVC is heated. The liner header has a reinforced buttonhole top for curtain rings to slip through or can be used with clips. And, the three magnets at the bottom of the liner will keep it flat against tub walls.

Reviewers on Target's site have given the liner 4.5 stars out of 5. One shopper wrote: "A little shorter than liners I've had in the past but water never escapes and does the job. Probably the best liners I've ever had. Doesn't collect mold like liners I've had in my shower. Not flimsy at all, probably one of the thickest ones I've had. Highly recommend. Can't beat the price either."

The liner can be washed with sheets and towels in warm water and hung to drip dry. At this price, you may just want to replace it every few months and use the old one as a drop cloth.

Pros: Very affordable, weighted bottom, made of soft, non-toxic vinyl

Cons: Slightly smaller than some liners, lightweight and can tear if pulled on excessively

Buy Room Essentials Solid Super Soft PEVA Shower Liner at Target for $2.99

The best extra large shower curtain liner

Do you have a claw-foot tub and shower or a custom-designed shower stall? The N&Y Home Extra Wide Shower Curtain Liner provides the coverage you need.

You finally have the bathroom of your dreams and it includes a huge walk-in shower or a claw-foot tub and shower fixture. Now, where are you going to find a shower curtain liner large enough to fit the space properly? Fortunately, there is N&Y Home Extra Wide Shower Curtain Linerto come to the rescue.

While this liner comes in 26 different sizes, it is one of the few on the market available in a 108-by-72-inch size. The liner is made from a white closely knit polyester fabric with a subtle diamond pattern that is water-repellent, quick-drying, and sturdy. To help support the weight of the fabric, the reinforced top header includes 18 metal grommets for easy and reliable hanging.

The liner is machine-washable in cold water and comes with a three-month warranty against mildew and bacterial growth. It can be tumbled dry and ironed on low heat if you decide to use it as a shower curtain.

Of the more than 2,500 reviews on Amazon, N&Y Home Shower Curtain Liners have an average of 4.5 stars. One buyer wrote, "Great! Does just what it says. Water beads up on it and it dries quickly. We have a bathroom that doesn't get much air circulation if any, and we've gone through a few plastic liners because they mold so fast. I shake this out after the shower and turn the fan on. It's dry within an hour or so. Washes well too. Great investment!"

Pros: Extra-wide width, quick-drying fabric, mildew resistant

Cons: Not weighted at the bottom, the fabric may not be as water-resistant after washing

Buy N&Y Home Extra Wide Shower Curtain Liner (108 inches by 72 inches) on Amazon for $15.99

The best fabric shower curtain liner

For a shower curtain liner that can stand alone and add a bit of flair to your bath decor, the Maytex Microfiber Textured Shower Curtain Liner is an excellent choice.

Not everyone wants to spend money on both a shower curtain liner and a decorative outer curtain. Perhaps you're simply renting or plan to move soon and just want something that looks good and keeps the water contained. The Maytex Microfiber Textured Shower Curtain Liner will provide both at a reasonable price.

The liner is sized to fit a standard tub-shower combination with its 72-by-72-inch dimensions. This textured polyester microfiber curtain comes in different shades. The top is finished with reinforced button holes for shower curtain rings and there are three weighted magnets at the bottom. Easily machine-washable, the fabric is resistant to wrinkling and is quick-drying.

On JCPenney's website, 100% of the reviewers would recommend buying this shower curtain liner. Many expressed their pleasure that the fabric is not just water repellent but also nearly waterproof. More than 1,000 Amazon customers gave it an average 4.2 out of 5 stars.

Pros: Comes in three stylish colors, water repellent, easy care

Cons: Only available in one size

Buy the Maytex Microfiber Textured Shower Curtain Liner at Amazon for $15.99

The best shower curtain liner with storage pockets

There are very few showers that have enough storage to hold all of our products, so this Overstock Shower Curtain Liner has nine mesh pockets to help you organize it all.

If you are tired of shampoo bottles teetering on tub ledges and being unable to find your loofah with soap-filled eyes, then the Overstock Shower Curtain Liner with 9 Mesh Pocketsis for you.

Storage is always at a premium in small spaces and this shower curtain will help solve your dilemma. Made from clear heavyweight water repellent polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA), the curtain is free from chlorine and other potentially toxic chemicals. The 70-by-72-inch curtain has nine polyester mesh pockets to hold toys, bottles, and brushes.

To help support the extra weight of the items stored in the pockets, the top of the liner has 12 rust-proof metal grommets for hanging with curtain rings. The liner is machine-washable in cold water and will drip dry quickly.

This liner has a 4.4-star rating from buyers on Overstock's site. Clearly, the organizational function of the pockets is a winner with one buyer, saying, "This is the best-organized shower curtain. I have purchased it before and I love how there are pockets to put all your shampoo and conditioner in. You can put razors up from little kids so they do not cut themselves. Also, the bathtub is so easy to clean with everything in the pockets."

Pros: Nontoxic PEVA material, nine quick-drying pockets, clear vinyl allows in light

Cons: Available in only one size, not weighted on the bottom

Buy the PEVA Chlorine/Odor Free Shower Curtain/Liner with 9 Mesh Pockets on Overstock for $21.05 (originally $23.39)

The best mildew-resistant shower curtain liner

If you have a bathroom that isn't well-ventilated and battle quick-growing mildew, you will appreciate the benefits of the LiBa Mildew Resistant Anti-Bacterial Shower Curtain Liner.

There's a fungus amongst us and it loves your bathroom. The warm, damp climate in the bathroom is a particularly popular breeding ground for mildew. This is a surface mold that appears as a colony of grey or white powdery dots. It is the dampness and body soil in your shower that feeds the mold and encourages it to grow.

Having a mildew resistant and antibacterial shower curtain liner will help stem the growth and give you one less thing to scrub frequently. Made from PEVA, the LiBa shower liner is nontoxic, chlorine-free, and does not release harmful fumes. Each liner is treated with a mildew inhibitor that lasts four times longer than other mildew resistant liners.

Offered in a clear 72-by-72-inch vinyl panel, the liner header features 12 rustproof metal grommets for durability and is weighted with three magnets. Each liner comes with a 12-month warranty against tears and mildew growth.

More than 7,600 customers have left reviews for the LiBa Mildew Resistant Curtain Liner on Amazon with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

One customer writes, "I have waited six months to write this review and my original liner looks as good as the day I hung it. No mildew or rust. The magnets have weight and stick well to the bath. So I replaced the liner in my other bathroom with another one of these. Excellent value and quality."

Pros: Mildew resistant and antibacterial, reinforced grommets, weighted bottom hem

Cons: Only available in one size

Buy LiBa Mildew Resistant Anti-Bacterial Shower Curtain Liner on Amazon for $8.99

• The Casper adjustable bed frame works with all foam mattresses. I don't have a Casper mattress, and it functions just fine with my alternative foam-based choice.
• The controller for the bed frame is about twice the size of an Apple TV remote and includes six buttons: Two adjust the top part of the bed, two move the bottom part up and down, and two control both halves of the bed simultaneously.
• For $1,345 for a queen size, the bed frame isn't cheap, but it only took a few nights of sleeping on it to convince me that it's well worth the price.
• I'd recommend it to people with sleep apnea, indigestion, bad backs, swollen legs — the list goes on.
• Enjoy additional savings at Casper with a little help from Business Insider Coupons, where you can find coupons and promo codes for your favorite online stores.

As someone who's in the habit of stacking three flimsy pillows behind my head to read or watch TV in bed, switching to an adjustable bed frame was a greater comfort than I'd expected.

Honestly, sleeping on an adjustable bed frame had never occurred to me before I was sent Casper's queen-size version to review a few weeks ago. For $1,195, it isn't cheap, but it only took a few nights of sleeping on it to convince me that it's well worth the price.

I discovered one of the handiest uses of the adjustable bed frame when I developed a cold shortly after my purchase. Congestion always gets worse when you're lying down, so having the bed frame to prop my head up while sleeping saved me from waking up unable to breath.

Sleeping with your upper body lifted also helps prevent snoring. Elevating your whole upper body (and not just your head) can remove pressure from your airways, making it easier to breath through the night. It can even stave off indigestion. As someone who suffers from acid reflux, sleeping upright let gravity do its work by stopping stomach acid from reaching my esophagus, something that occasionally wakes me up at night.

While I quickly learned that I'd be using the adjustable frame to lift my upper body, I hadn't thought about the positive effects lifting my lower body would have on my feet, legs, and back. After long days of pounding pavement (in New York City's summer heat, no less), letting the blood drain from my swollen legs has proven to be a huge relief.

I recently spent a day at the beach, during which I plodded through sand to get as far away from the boardwalk as possible to avoid the weekend crowds. Walking for so long in the hot sun, my feet and legs needed some extra TLC when I got home, which the adjustable bed frame easily provided through targeted elevation. Kicking your feet up at the end of the day can also provide relief from aches related to varicose veins and can help you avert blood clots (though luckily I'm not accustomed to worrying about either of those issues).

My partner, who experiences knee and back pain, particularly enjoys the lower body lift. He usually puts a pillow beneath his legs while lying in bed. Now, being able to angle his legs upwards brings him improved comfort (and frees up an extra pillow).

That being said, the biggest hazard of the adjustable bed frame is that there's just one controller, and my partner and I can fight about it like we do the TV remote. However, Casper does have a two-person adjustable bed frame option, which requires the purchase of two twin mattresses so each sleeper can customize their own experience without disturbing the other. My partner and I are both happy sleeping just short of 180 degrees on most nights, though, and we've had fun experimenting with alternative angles (yes, the adjustable bed frame can also be a pretty decent game for the less than mature).

The controller for our bed frame is about twice the size of an Apple TV remote and includes six buttons: Two adjust the top part of the bed, two move the bottom part up and down, and two control both halves of the bed simultaneously. At first, I felt a little weird about sleeping on an electronic bed base — what if it malfunctioned in the middle of the night? However, that hasn't happened, and even if it did, the worst-case scenario is that the slow, gentle movement could wake me up.

Besides that unlikely hazard, plugging the bed into a nearby outlet could prove a challenge, what with air conditioners and phone chargers often taking up the most convenient spaces. However, a power bar easily solves that problem. (I happened to have one near my bed anyway.)

The Casper adjustable bed frame works with all foam mattresses. I don't have a Casper mattress, and it functions just fine with my alternative foam-based choice.

Another plus — it's not ugly. My previous metal bed frame certainly didn't add to my bedroom décor. Meanwhile, the sleek, subtle design of Casper's bed frame is pleasing to look at and works with the various eclectic furniture items adorning my bedroom. It doesn't stand out as particularly ornamental or industrial and can fit into nearly any design scheme.

My last concern when opting for the new bed frame was the storage space. Living in a small, New York City apartment means I need all the extra space I can get, so I've long used my under-the-bed area to store out-of-season clothing and extra towels and bed sheets. Fortunately, Casper's adjustable frame is 15 inches off the ground, providing even more space than my old bed frame — my four under-the-bed storage containers fit with room to spare. And the movement of the frame never obstructs access to my belongings.

Though it's a bit of an investment, my new adjustable bed frame has brought both me and my partner relief we didn't previously think a bed frame could provide. I'd recommend it to people with sleep apnea, indigestion, bad backs, swollen legs — the list goes on.

Buy the Casper Adjustable Bed Frame for $1,345 (twin XL), $1,695 (queen), or $2,690 (split king/California king)

SEE ALSO: I tried Buffy, a popular down-alternative comforter made of recycled plastic bottles — and it was super effective at regulating temperature

DON'T MISS: A new bed-in-a-box went through over 200 mattress prototypes before it landed on the perfect design — it offered me excellent pressure relief and it slept cool

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Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• You may be specially targeted for a 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Platinum Card® from American Express, which is among the most coveted deals in the travel and credit-card-rewards world (the bonus is available after spending $5,000 in your first three months).
• The offer isn't available publicly — to see if you're chosen, check CreditCards.com's CardMatch Tool, enter your information, and click "Get Matches."
• The offer can change without notice, so now is the best chance to find it. Reports indicate that it is still available for new applicants.
• One hundred thousand AmEx points are subjectively worth $2,000, but the card has a ton of other valuable benefits, too.

In the world of travel and credit-card rewards, nothing is quite as coveted as the elusive 100,000-point welcome bonus on the AmEx Platinum Card.

The problem is that the bonus is, well, elusive. AmEx offers it publicly only once in a blue moon — and usually for only a day or even a few hours at a time — so the only way that a user can often get the offer is if they're specifically targeted for it.

Even then, it can be tough to pull up a targeted offer, since they often appear inconsistently.

The most reliable way, though, is to check the CardMatch Tool.

CardMatch, a service offered through CreditCards.com, pulls targeted offers from a few different credit-card issuers, but it's one of the most reliable ways to find the highest-known offers on AmEx cards — assuming you're eligible.

The AmEx Platinum offers aren't always available, but reports indicate that over the past few days, the 100,000-point offers have returned to the tool.

For qualifying applicants who haven't held a Platinum Card before, the offer is 100,000 points after spending $5,000 within the first three months — the best offer we've ever seen on this card. The normal offer is 60,000 points for the same spending requirement and timeframe.

There's also an offer for 50,000 points on the American Express® Gold Card after spending $2,000 in the first three months — the usual offer is 35,000 points for the same spending requirement and timeframe, so this is a solid offer.

To use the CardMatch tool, you just need to enter your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This does not count as a credit-card application, so you won't get a hard inquiry on your credit report — this is only a "soft" inquiry, which won't have any effect on your credit score. If you want one of the personalized offers that pops up, you'll have to fill out an actual application by clicking the "Apply Now" button and redirecting to the issuer's website.

Keep in mind that offers can't be transferred to someone else, and there's never a guarantee that you'll be able to pull up the same offer again if you close the window. If you see the 100,000-point offer, and you're interested in the Platinum Card, you should apply right then.

One hundred thousand AmEx Membership points are subjectively worth $2,000, meaning the welcome bonus alone pays for the Platinum Card's $550 annual fee for more than three years.

However, the Platinum Card's benefits make it worth keeping indefinitely for anyone who travels, as long as you take advantage of it. Up to $200 in annual credits for airline fees, up to $200 each year toward Uber, up to $100 each year toward shopping, airport-lounge access, benefits at hotels, complimentary Gold status at Marriott and Hilton, and more make it one of the most valuable cards available.

Plus, active-duty military service members can get the card's annual fee waived. That means that, as long as they pay their bill in full and on time — effectively using the card like a debit card — the benefits and welcome bonus will all be pure profit.

Click here to visit CardMatch to see if you're targeted for the 100,000-point AmEx Platinum offer.

SEE ALSO: The best credit card rewards, bonuses, and benefits of 2019

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• If you know how, you can print any document, spreadsheet, or presentation to your computer's printer from Google Docs.
• When you select the Print option, Google Docs will save the document as a PDF, which you then need to open and print.
• If you have a compatible Wi-Fi printer, you can configure the printer as a Google Cloud Printer, and then print directly to the printer from Google Docs.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Docs is a great choice for simple document creation tasks. Not only is it free, but it lets multiple people collaborate at once, and all files are stored in the cloud for access from anywhere.

Google Docs may not be as full-featured as Microsoft Office, but it includes all the essentials – including the ability to print. But while you can print any Google Doc file, the process is slightly convoluted. What you see may vary depending upon what browser you use and how your system is configured.

How to print a document from Google Docs

1. Using any web browser, open the document you want to print in Google Docs.

2. Click "File," and then click "Print." If you prefer, you can click the Print icon in the toolbar.

3. Depending on your browser, the file will automatically be saved as a PDF or you will see an option to "Print from my computer" or "Save as PDF,"  which saves the file as a PDF. If you are printing a spreadsheet, you'll first see a Print settings page in which you can configure the page settings and then click "Next" to continue.

4. Open the PDF and print it.

Print from Google Docs using Google Cloud Print

By default, Google Docs converts files into PDFs, which you then send to the printer. But if you have a Google Cloud Print-compatible Wi-Fi enabled printer, you can print documents directly from Google Docs with a single click.

1. Start by finding out if your printer is Google Cloud Print-compatible. In a web browser, go to the Cloud-ready printer page and see if your printer is listed.

2. If it appears on the list, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link for you printer brand's setup instructions.

3. Follow the instructions. You may need to enable Google Cloud printing on your printer's settings and complete the setup in a web browser.

When setup is complete, your Google account will be connected to this printer, and it will appear as an option when you try to print documents in Google Docs.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to create a Google doc on your computer or mobile device

• How to alphabetize paragraphs or lists in Google Docs, using a free and simple add-on

• How to 'track changes' and make comments in Google Docs using the collaborative 'Suggesting' tool

• How to edit Google Docs files offline, for when you're without internet or trying to eliminate online distractions

SEE ALSO: The best printers you can buy for less than $100

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here are the best updates coming to your iPhone this fall

• Apple has unveiled a credit card that customers can use with its virtual payment service, Apple Pay.
• The Apple Card is made of titanium, and has no annual, late, or international fees.
• Here's when the Apple Card will be available, and how you can sign up to get yours.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Earlier this year, Apple revealed its first-ever physical credit card, Apple Card.

The Apple Card will have no annual, late, or international fees, and an interest rate that Apple says will be "among the lowest" industry-wide. The card works as an alternate to Apple Pay for stores and retailers that don't take contactless payments. The card's no-fee model quickly drew in eager customers.

Between the no fees and slick metal design, the Apple Card has created hype among customers looking to get their hands on their very own. The card is not yet available for use, but Bloomberg reported that Apple has expanded its tests of the card to "tens of thousands" of its retail employees, and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman got his hands on one as well.

Here's when the Apple Card will be available and how you can sign up:

SEE ALSO: Caroline Spiegel, the sister of Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, is launching a new porn startup geared toward women

The Apple Card will live on your iPhone inside the Apple Wallet app. The card will show up in the app alongside your other Wallet items.

Once the Apple Card is made available, customers will be able to sign up using their iPhone. Within minutes, they should be able to use Apple Card in apps, online, and at stores that accept Apple Pay.

If customers have issues with the card, they'll be able to contact Apple Card support through the Messages app. Apple says support will be available 24/7 via text.

Source: Apple

The Apple Card isn't quite available yet, though — it'll be available in the US starting this summer. Apple hasn't said what the application process will look like.

You can sign up to be notified when the card is made available. Head over to the Apple Card landing page, and click "Notify Me."

Source: Apple

You can also scroll down to the bottom of the page to enter your email. Apple will send you email or push notifications whenever there's new info about Apple Card.

• Earlier this year, Apple announced its own credit card, known as Apple Card.
• Apple Card will have no annual, late, or international fees, and what Apple describes as a low interest rate. 
• The card will also have an easy-to-use app interface, and Apple is offering both a digital and physical version of the card. 
• Apple Card will be available to US customers starting this summer, but Apple has already started testing the card with its own employees, according to Bloomberg.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple's first-ever credit card, called Apple Card, is coming in just a few months.  

The new card — which Apple unveiled earlier this year at an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California — is a brand-new product line for Apple. Apple Card will have no annual or late fees, and an interest rate that Apple aims to have be "among the lowest" industry-wide.

Apple touted an easy-to-use app interface for the card, as well as a both a digital version and a sleek, physical version of the card. 

Apple Card will be rolling out to US customers this summer, but Bloomberg reports that Apple has started allowing "tens of thousands" of its own retail employees to test the card. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman also got his hands on one, and showed off the rainbow packaging on Twitter. 

Here's what we know about Apple Card so far, and how you can sign up for one yourself. 

SEE ALSO: Here's everything Apple just announced at its big event

Customers will be able to sign up for Apple Card on their iPhones. Within minutes, they should be able to use Apple Card in apps, online, and at stores that accept Apple Pay.

Apple is partnering with Goldman Sachs and Mastercard for the new Apple Card, and it will be able to be used around the world.

If customers have issues with the card, they'll be able to contact Apple Card support through the Messages app — Apple says support will be available 24/7 via text.

Apple Card will be built into the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone. People who are familiar with Apple Pay should find it to be a similar app experience — the card, which is a nice rainbow gradient, will show up at the top of the app.

The color of your card will change in the app depending on your spending habits. Apple keeps track of your spending in a chart, and color-codes your purchases so they're easier to track over time. For example, food and drink purchases will show up as orange and entertainment will show up as pink. 

Throughout the course of the month, your digital card will change color to match how you've been spending your money.

Inside the Wallet app, users will be able to easily track their spending. Apple will organize spending by category, like "Food and Drinks," "Shopping and Entertainment," etc.

Apple says it uses machine learning combined with Apple Maps to help it label purchases. Each purchase will have a date, merchant name, and location, as well as the purchase totals, which the app will calculate automatically. Here's what it looks like when you click on a transaction.

Apple Card will also provide weekly and monthly spending summaries to "help customers better understand their spending."

Apple Card offers cash back in the form of "Daily Cash." Users will get 2% cash back for using Apple Card on Apple Pay, and 3% cash back on purchases made with Apple, like Apple Store purchases or a purchase from the App Store.

Apple's Daily Cash system is slightly different from other credit cards in that the cash back is automatically added to a user's Apple Cash card every day, rather than at the end of the billing cycle.

That means that that cash back is available to be used right away on things like Apple Pay purchases, to pay off the Apple Card balance, or to send to friends or family. 

Now for the most important part: fees.

Apple says there are zero fees associated with Apple Card — that means there's no annual fee, no late fee, and no fee for using the card internationally. 

There will, however, be interest fees, which Apple says aim to be "among the lowest in the industry." And if a customer misses a payment or pays late, additional interest will be added to the total balance. 

When users go to pay off their cards — which they can do in the Wallet app — they'll see a range of payment options, with the app automatically calculating interest costs on the different amounts.

Apple made sure to tout the card's security: Each purchase is authorized with Face ID or Touch ID and a one-time security code; and Apple won't know detailed data about users' purchases, like where they shopped or how much they paid.

Apple seems intent on promoting the digital version of Apple Card. But for stores that don't accept Apple Pay, Apple created a physical version of Apple Card as well.

The physical Apple Card is made out of titanium, and has Apple's simplicity-focused design aesthetic: it's all white, and doesn't have a card number, CVV, expiration date, or signature bar on the back. 

But the perks of using the physical card aren't as good as the digital version — Apple will only offer 1% cash back when customers use the physical Apple Card, and the card is reportedly not contactless like many newer credit cards. 

Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman recently got his hands on one of the credit cards being tested.

Tweet Embed:
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Finally got mine pic.twitter.com/xr4TvLc8T2

The Apple Card will be available in the US starting this summer. You can't sign up for the card just yet, but you can sign up to be notified about any updates regarding Apple Card.

To sign up for notifications, head over to the Apple Card landing page and click "Notify Me." Apple will send you email or push notifications whenever there's info about Apple Card. 

• Google Home is a smart speaker with Google Assistant built in. It's similar to Amazon Echo and its Alexa personal assistant.
• Google Home works with iPhone and Android.
• You can set up, customize, and control your Google Home speaker using an iPhone or Android device.
• There are three models in the Google Home family, differentiated mainly by size and speaker quality. All three devices are set up and work the same way.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Home is a line of smart speakers, similar in many ways to the Amazon Echo.

While the Echo relies on an AI personal assistant called Alexa, Google Home uses Google Assistant. Google Home can perform many common tasks, such as answering questions, playing music, and controlling smart home devices, all via voice commands.

The Google Home speaker is set up and controlled using a mobile app, available both on Android devices and iPhones. From an iPhone (or Android device) you can customize all of the Google Home's settings and options, add new smart home devices, control music playback, track your Google Assistant activity history, and much more.

Check out the products used in this article:

Google Home (From $99.99 at Best Buy)

Google Home models

There are several models in the Google Home family, though they are all fairly similar, with essentially the same key features and setup process. Google Home is the original version of the product and is shaped like a squat cylinder with a mute button on the back, and invisible touch controls for media playback and volume on top.

The Google Home Mini is much smaller than the standard Home, standing just about two inches high. The device is covered with fabric, available in a handful of colors, and features a mute switch rather than a button; otherwise, its capabilities are similar to the original Google Home.

Finally, the Google Home Max is a larger version of the Home (and is shaped like a traditional rectangular speaker) with more powerful and higher fidelity stereo speakers.  It also includes an auxiliary audio input, and can be set up with wired Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.

How to set up a Google Home speaker using an iPhone

1. Plug in the Google Home speaker and let it boot up. When it's ready, it'll tell you to run the Google Home app on a mobile device.

2. Install Google Home for the iPhone or Google Home for Android and start the app when it's ready.

3. Tap "Get Started" on the app's welcome screen.

4. You need to connect your Google Home to a Google account. If you're logged into more than one account on your phone, choose the account you want to use and tap "OK" or tap "Use another account" to log into another.

5. Complete setup by following the instructions in the Google Home app. You will need to choose a Wi-Fi network, pick a voice for Google Assistant, add your favorite media services like Spotify and Pandora, and answer a few other questions to finish the installation.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to set up any Google Home, Google's versatile smart speaker, in just a few minutes

• How to use and customize Google Assistant on your phone or Google Home

• 'How to reset any Google Home device to its factory settings, if it's malfunctioning or you're planning to sell it

• 'What is Google Chromecast?': How to use Google's smart device for TVs and monitors

SEE ALSO: The best smart speaker you can buy: Amazon Echo vs. Google Home vs. Sonos One

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Here's why it's so hard to switch from Apple to Android

• The light weight of the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack (starting at $37.99) helps my baby daughter sleep more soundly by making it feel like my hand is on her back all night.
• It's a wearable blanket with weight ranging from 1 to 5 ounces. Sizes range from 3 to 24 months, and can be used with babies heavier than 7 pounds, so this product can grow with your baby until he or she is ready to have comfort items in their crib.
• The blanket meets mandatory and voluntary safety standards, and only works with safety laboratories that are accredited by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but talk to your pediatrician first as every parent or baby's situation is unique. 

Parents of babies and toddlers will do almost anything to get their kids to sleep. Stand on my head while singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" backwards? You got it. For my daughter Ellie, one thing that always seems to do the trick is gently patting her back.

I have no problem rubbing and patting her back to comfort her, but it becomes a problem when her eyes would pop wide open the second I take my hand away. Before I had the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack, I would keep my hand on her back until I was sure she was asleep, then I would very, very slowly lift my hand off her back so she wouldn't notice the difference. It was a time consuming and exhausting process.

When I decided to try the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack, it made putting Ellie to bed so much easier. The Zen Sack has a very light weight made out of non-toxic poly-beads that actually mimics the feeling of my hand on her back. Gone are the days of hovering and patting until I'm sure she's completely asleep.

Design

The Zen Sack is a sleep sack, or wearable blanket, that comes in many sizes — 3 to 6 months, 6 to 12 months, and 15 to 24 months. The brand also offers swaddles, bodysuits, and footie pajamas with the same weighted feature.

For the Zen Sack, there is a Classic, Premier, and Winter version, each with a different TOG, or thermal insulation. The higher the TOG, the warmer the sleep sack. The Premier has the lowest at .3, the Classic is .5, and the Winter is 2.5. The Premier is also made with a blend of bamboo and cotton, while the Classic and Winter are both 100% cotton.

We have the Classic version in the Grey Mist and Flying Adventures of Bunny prints, and we layer it over a long-sleeve footed pajama. We keep the room around 70 degrees, so Ellie always seems to be comfortable at night.

The material is really soft, and it's simple to get the sack on and off. The top snaps at the shoulders with a looser and tighter option. There is also a two-way zipper that starts under one armpit and follows the outside seam around to the opposite bottom corner; it's a nice feature for middle-of-the night diaper changes.

For the smaller sizes (12 months and under), the weight is concentrated in an oval on the baby's chest. Ellie is a tummy sleeper and was starting to roll on her own, so we actually put the Zen Sack backwards so that the weight is on her back when she sleeps — which the brand says is fine to do for babies who are starting roll. For the 15 to 24 month size, the weight is evenly distributed across the chest (or back, depending on how you use it).

Safety

I do my best to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep guidelines, which rule out many comfort items in the bassinet or crib for infants such as blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. So the thought of putting Ellie to bed with a weight on her really scared me at first — what if it weighed her down and she wasn't strong enough to roll over?

Nested Bean addresses this fear on its website: "The weight is light and flexible, so it will nearly flatten underneath your baby's body. Physiotherapy standards were used to determine the appropriate weight in the Zen Sleepwear. These weight requirements ensure that the weight to body-weight ratio is maintained well below the recommended physiotherapy standard of 1:10. Depending on the size of the product, the weighted parts range from 1 to 5 ounces."

Nested Bean also cautions parents to not put babies or toddlers in the weighted sack and the weighted pajamas at the same time.

Once I actually felt the weighted beads inside the Zen Sack, I could tell that it was not too heavy, but just enough to help Ellie feel secure. Sometimes she even sleeps on her back with the weight underneath her, and it never seems to bother her that she is lying on top of it.

But all babies are different, and although I'm confident Ellie can easily move around in the Zen Sack, please check with your pediatrician first if you have concerns or questions.

Standout features

What really sets this sleep sack apart from all the others is the weight feature. Nested Bean calls this the Cuddle Effect — babies are naturally calmed and soothed by touch, and feeling that gentle pressure activates that effect. 

It's basically like keeping your hand on top of your child's tummy or back to put them to sleep, but a lot easier.

Potential cons

You never really know how your baby is going to respond to a product; some babies may show no improvement in his or her sleep by using this product. 

And although Ellie never seems to mind the weight underneath her if she sleeps on her back, it does seem to me like the lump the weight forms might be mildly uncomfortable.

The bottom line

If you're struggling with putting your baby or toddler to sleep, or are trying to transition out of a swaddle, the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack might be able to help. I personally found it helpful with Ellie, but understandably, every parent and child is different so check in with your pediatrician first and make sure you understand how the weighted feature works.

If you're deciding between the three styles offered, consider the Winter line for very cold climates or bedrooms, otherwise, the Classic and Premier options would be ideal. Most importantly, make sure you're buying the correct size for your baby so you don't get a product with a weight that is too heavy and can lead to potential suffocation.

If you're looking for other sleep sacks to try, Burt's Bees Baby has a line of wearable blankets made with 100% organic cotton. You could also try the HALO Early Walker Sleep Sack for babies who insist on pacing in their crib.

Nothing is a replacement for loving human touch, but the Nested Bean Zen Sleepsack was the next best thing so that Ellie and I could both get some rest.

Pros: light weight mimics parent's touch, follows safe sleep standards, keeps baby warm

Cons: weight could be uncomfortable for some 

Buy the Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack on Amazon (various sizes) from $37.99

Buy the 0.5 TOG Nested Bean Zen Sleep Sack at Target for $34.99

Join the conversation about this story »

• A group of 18 ultra-wealthy Americans including George Soros and Abigail Disney published an open letter asking presidential candidates to support a moderate wealth tax, a copy of the letter published by The New York Times shows.
• The revenue of the wealth tax could be used to fund environmental initiatives, fuel economic investment, and fund health care, according to the letter, in addition to protecting America's democracy by reducing inequality.
• The letter's signatories are among the 74% of Americans who support the introduction of a wealth tax, a 2019 survey published by The Hill found.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Calls for a wealth tax have high support among Americans — including some ultra-wealthy Americans. 

In an open letter to 2020 presidential candidates published Monday, a group of ultra-wealthy Americans including George Soros, Abigail Disney and members of the Pritzker and Gund families expressed their support for a moderate wealth tax on the 1%.

"America has a moral, ethical and economic responsibility to tax our wealth more," a copy of the letter published by The New York Times states.

As outlined in the letter, the signatories support the wealth tax for six reasons. Those include funding environmental initiatives and solving America's climate crisis; fueling economic growth; and providing funding for public health care. In addition, a wealth tax is fair, patriotic, and would strengthen our democracy by reducing inequality, according to the letter.

Read more:Elizabeth Warren's proposed wealth tax on the richest Americans won't remove the incentive to work, no matter what billionaires say

The letter's authors avoid endorsing a particular candidate but focus on the tax plan of Senator Elizabeth Warren. In that plan, wealthy families would not be taxed on their first $50 million worth of assets but would pay 2% on assets above the $50 million threshold and 3% on assets over $1 billion. Approximately 75,000 families would be impacted, according to the letter.

Warren's tax plan has the support of 74% of Americans, a 2019 survey published by The Hill found. A wealth tax also has the support of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. While not a signatory on the letter, Buffett penned an editorial for The New York Times in 2011 in support of a wealth tax. 

The debate over how the wealthiest Americans should be taxed escalated in 2018 after President Trump's tax bill was widely criticized for benefiting the 1%. Business Insider previously reported that the top 1% of taxpayers — those making over $730,000 — would receive 20% of the total tax cut, according to the Tax Policy Center.

"Those of us in the richest 1/10 of the richest 1% should be proud to pay a bit more of our fortune forward to America's future," the letter says. "We'll be fine — taking on this tax is the least we can do to strengthen the country we love."

SEE ALSO: Less than 1% of the world's billionaires donate to housing and shelter charities. Here are the top 10 causes the world's richest people give their money to.

DON'T MISS: One brutal sentence captures what a disaster money in America has become

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Mount Everest is not the hardest mountain to climb — here's what makes K2 so much worse

• Online bedding company Crane & Canopy has released a new bath collection of towels (individual pieces from $6 and sets from $90), bath mats (from $26), and bathrobes ($99). 
• They're made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton and spun with a method that makes them simultaneously lightweight, plush, absorbent, and quick-drying. 
• Though online bath linen options abound, Crane & Canopy's are some of the most affordable and one of the only major bed-and-bath startups that lets you monogram your towels and bathrobes. 

Crane & Canopy, an online home brand founded in 2012, first launched with a small collection of comfortable duvet covers that also give the illusion of a perfectly made bed. Steadily, it began introducing more bedding options like sheet sets and comforters to get you completely situated for a cozy, restful night.

Earlier this year, it continued its expansion into luxurious home products with a brand new bath collection, and it proves to be the perfect complement to its bedding. 

The collection features bath towels (individual pieces from $6 and sets from $90), bath mats (from $26), and bathrobes ($99). They're all made from 100% long-staple Turkish cotton and spun with an air technology that makes them simultaneously lightweight, plush, absorbent, and quick-drying. Like the rest of Crane & Canopy's products, the entire bath collection is Oeko-Tex certified, so it's free from chemicals that can adversely affect your skin and body. 

Admittedly, you have plenty of options today if you want to buy bath linens from an online brand. See: fellow bed-and-bath companies Parachute, Brooklinen, Snowe, and Boll & Branch. You can even hone in specifically on stylish monogrammed towels at Weezie.

So why consider Crane & Canopy's towels, mats, and robes? Affordability, for one. Among these competitors, it provides some of the best value, with bundles for less than $100. It's also the only place other than Weezie that lets you monogram your bath linens. If you're looking for affordable, simple, and customizable bath products made with durable, high-quality materials, then you'll be very happy with Crane & Canopy's. 

We tested these new bath products ourselves to tell you whether you should replace your bath towels, bathrobe, or bath mat — or all three. Read on for additional details about each product and our experiences using them. 

Our review of the Crane & Canopy bath towels 

There are two types of towels: Classic and Plush. The Classic has a 700-gram weight, while the Plush has a 600-gram weight, so your choice depends on whether you like a heavier or lighter towel feel. I tried the Plush towels, which weren't so thick as to smother me completely, but still substantial enough to feel luxurious. They're soft and fluffy, and they dry pretty quickly despite absorbing all the water weight transferred from my thick hair. The Bath Towel and Sheet have a cotton loop so you can dry them on hooks, but I just fold mine over a towel bar and they look good and dry perfectly well there, too. I keep the Hand Towel looped through a shelf next to my mirror and it's been useful for quick drying needs. 

Both towel types are available in bath sheet, bath towel, washcloth, and hand-towel forms. The various sizes are combined in three different pre-set bundles, which range in price from $90 to $260. You can also mix and match sizes, colors, and towel types on your own. Despite the weight difference, the prices of the individual towels and towel sets are the same for both the Classic and Plush towels. The Classic towels come in five colors, while the Plush towels come in four colors. —Connie Chen, reporter 

Shop all bath towels at Crane & Canopy here.

Our review of the Crane & Canopy bathrobe

I gave up on regular towels a while ago in favor of bathrobes.  They just work better, and they're cozier to lounge around in. This bathrobe from Crane & Canopy is possibly the plushest, softest, most snuggly robe you could imagine, point blank.

It's as perfect for lazing around the house in as it is for absorbing water off your body after a shower. Compared to my lightweight summer robe from Lacoste (which the company sadly no longer makes), this one is what I'd call relatively heavy weight, which will be most appreciated in the cooler months of the year. But for summer, it's still supremely absorbent thanks to its plush construction and not so heavy that you feel like you're in a sweat wrap at the spa. —Sally Kaplan, editor 

Shop all bathrobes at Crane & Canopy here. 

Our review of the Crane & Canopy bath mat

My roommate and I have gone through a few bath mats over the years. They always seem to get ratty in the blink of an eye. Crane & Canopy's bath mat has broken this cycle with its durable construction and effective absorbency. I know a bath mat is possibly the least sexy bath accessory you can think of, but when you have a good one, it makes a difference. After a hot shower, I usually hate the first step out from its comforting warmth, but it's at least more enjoyable with the feeling of soft cotton under my feet. The bath mats come in seven colors and three sizes, and cost $26 to $56. —Connie Chen, reporter 

Shop all bath mats at Crane & Canopy here. 

The bottom line

I've come to understand that luxury can take the form of simple, everyday pleasures — like drying off your hands and feet or settling briefly into a bathrobe before getting dressed. Crane & Canopy's new bath collection lets you indulge in these pleasures comfortably and affordably. 

Shop the entire collection of bath towels, bath mats, and bathrobes at Crane & Canopy

Join the conversation about this story »

• Chicken sandwiches are the most popular Uber Eats order.
• The company released its top 10 most popular items in a "cravings report" earlier this month.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Uber Eats has released a "cravings report" of the most popular meals ordered on the platform.

Some items you might suspect made the list, with chicken sandwiches reigning supreme on the platform that brought in $1.46 billion in revenue for Uber last year. Gyros, fried rice, and rice bowls also made the cut.

Diners also had some interesting requests, like a performance of the song "Africa" by the band Toto or spicy lasagna. You can read those strange asks here.

Read more: From food delivery to self-driving cars, here's how all of Uber and Lyft's side-businesses compare

Here are the top ten most popular Uber Eats orders:

SEE ALSO: Uber says it will deliver McDonald's meals via drones in San Diego as soon as this year

10. Steak

9. Rice bowl

8. Eggs

7. Cheeseburger

6. Fried Rice

5. Pizza

4. Turkey wrap

3. Gyro

2. Fries

1. Chicken sandwich

• Layla's Memory Foam Topper ($299 for a Queen) is one of the best additions I've made to my sleeping arrangement.
• It's undeniably soft, but the memory foam is responsive and supportive — noticeable even when compressed under heavier parts of the body.
• It also helps regulate your temperature, absorbing some of your body heat into copper-infused beads that can dissipate it evenly.

If my conversations were condensed into one pie chart, a regrettably large portion would be dedicated to the sleep-related Holy Grail items I've discovered after over two-and-a-half years of researching and testing products.

It's a pretty airtight roster: weighted blankets (both luxe and bargain), great pillows (one cooling, one perfect traditional, and one preternaturally bouncy thanks to copper wiring), crisp sheets, atmospheric smart lights, and last but not least, a mattress pad that makes me hop in a cab home from the airport just to get into bed faster. 

The mattress pad in question is the Layla Memory Foam Topper ($299 for a Queen, but currently on sale for $269). It's designed to be a cooling, supportive memory foam topper — the kind you sink into without being swallowed. Copper gel beads in the foam work to pull body heat away from you throughout the night, absorbing and dissipating it more evenly so you can enjoy seamless temperature regulation, and sidestep the heat-trapping pitfall of many foam options. Sizes range from Twin to California King and prices from $199 to $399 (both currently on sale for $30 cheaper). 

My review of the Layla Mattress Topper

When I first unrolled the mattress pad from the small box it was delivered in, I didn't have high hopes. At first, I was a little surprised and disappointed at how thin and soft it was. How could something this compact — and plush — really be supportive, especially on top of a super-firm mattress?

But, as it turns out, I shouldn't have worried. Though cloud-like, the foam doesn't wither beneath me. On the contrary, it's actively responsive and supportive. When laying on my back, it's compressed to its thinnest underneath my butt (though cushioning is still noticeable). Like a seesaw responding to a heavier counterpart, the foam rises to actively support the hollow of my lower back, helping remove the tension I store there. I feel cradled, but not like I've sunk into a foam pit. On my side, the same responsive support is true for the inlet created by my waist — a gap that my mattress doesn't quite meet on its own. On my stomach, I can feel the topper almost lifting my lower legs — sort of like a stable version of what I'd imagine you'd feel from a water bed, minus the '80s wallpaper. Having said that, this option is not for you if you're trying to make your bed firmer. It's supportive, but it's distinctly cloud-like.

The mattress topper has also done well in temperature regulation for me, both when sleeping alone or with a partner. The copper in this topper is primarily there to disperse heat, and for its antimicrobial properties. Unlike the far cheaper options I've used in the past, this foam doesn't seem to store my body heat. Even if I've been sleeping on the same sheets for a full night, rolling around on them in the morning feels like I just took them out of some crisp, cool closet thanks to having this underneath. However, it's worthwhile to note that if you run hot already, foam (regardless of how comparatively breathable) may not be the best option overall.

In terms of cleaning, it's pretty low-maintenance. You can cover the Layla Topper with a mattress protector if you want, and the Layla Mattress Topper itself has a cover that can be unzipped and removed for cleaning. The company recommends dry cleaning it to keep the soft, plush feel intact, but you can wash by machine on a gentle cycle with cold water if needed. Find more information on cleaning here.

In terms of price, $250+ is not ideal. You can find memory foam toppers for under-$100 on Amazon. But, where sleep is concerned, it can pay to invest in more expensive but better-quality products upfront. How impactful your sleep is affects how awake and energized you feel, which in turn touches most other facets of your life. If it's in the budget, it may make sense to spend a bit more here. 

The bottom line

I can say with confidence that it has improved the quality of my sleep. It seems deeper, more restful, and I wake up less during the night. 

As mentioned, I tend to invest in my sleep most — and, if something happened to this pad, right now I'd definitely go out and replace it with the same one. But if you decide to check it out and it's not a match, Layla does offer a 120-night trial in which to decide. If you're still looking, check out the Insider Picks buying guide to mattress pads for more of the best options on the internet.

Layla Memory Foam Topper, Queen Size, $269 (originally $299)

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• The Berlin government will freeze rents in the city for five years starting in January 2020, according to Reuters.
• According to the report, rent in the German capital has doubled since 2008.
• Other cities around the world are also dealing with an affordable housing crisis, causing residents to resort to extreme measures to find places to live. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

In an attempt to solve Berlin's housing crisis, the government will freeze rents for five years, according to Reuters.

While Berlin is still one of the more affordable cities in Europe, Reuters reports that rent in the city has doubled since 2008. Over the past decade, the city's population has grown by about 40,000 people per year. Around 85% of Berlin residents choose to rent homes instead of owning them.

The rent freeze will go into effect in January 2020. However, to prevent landlords from quickly raising prices, the law will operate with respect to the rents in place as of June 18, 2019.

Read more:Hong Kong locals desperate for housing are considering putting in offers on haunted houses 

Major cities in Germany like Hamburg, Munich, and Frankfurt are also seeing a decrease in affordable housing. According to Reuters, the government hopes to build 1.5 million new units across the country by 2021, which equates to 375,000 units each year. However, only 285,900 new units were built in 2018.

Other cities across the globe are also dealing with affordable housing shortages. In Hong Kong, property prices have shot up 200% in the past decade. Housing costs in the city are so high that some local residents are considering buying haunted homes. In 2017, Business Insider reported that over 200,000 people in Hong Kong live in 20-foot "coffin homes" where the starting rent is around $180 a month. 

In the US, San Francisco is home to the most competitive real-estate market in the country. An influx of tech workers has caused one of the biggest price swells in the city's history. With the average-priced home now costing more than $1 million, even fixer-uppers are selling for as much as $600,000. Around 60% of tech workers in the area say they cannot afford a home in the area.

SEE ALSO: Los Angeles is full of multimillion-dollar mansions, but a single stat shows just how out of reach even the city's median-priced homes are for most residents

DON'T MISS: NYC rents just hit a 3-year high, and the city's prices are pushing everyone from millennials to wealthy Wall Street bankers away

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How $100,000 custom pool tables are made for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift

• Venture capitalist Josh Kushner and model Karlie Kloss reportedly got married for a second time this past weekend, eight months after they first tied the knot. 
• There are several other leaders in the tech industry who are dating — and married to — prominent venture capitalists, models, athletes, and powerful people.
• These are 15 of the most powerful couples in tech.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

As the singer Grimes, Tesla CEO Elon Musk's maybe-paramour, might say: We appreciate power.

While some tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg have been with their partners since college, some notable figures in the tech sector have gravitated toward partners with just as much (or more!) power and pull in their industries.

This past weekend, venture capitalist Josh Kushner and model Karlie Kloss held a second wedding ceremony eight months after their first one. The couple celebrated their second reception on a ranch in Wyoming and guests were decked out in western-themed outfits, Page Six reports.

However, there have also been some high-profile splits in the last year that have hit some prominent tech leaders. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie, announced in early January that they were getting a divorce. Elon Musk and Canadian singer Grimes dated for a while, though it's unclear whether the on-again off-again couple is still together in 2019.

Here are 15 of the top power couples in the tech industry:

SEE ALSO: VC founder Josh Kushner and model Karlie Kloss had a second wedding ceremony in Wyoming. Here's everything we know about the power couple.

Joshua Kushner & Karlie Kloss

Who they are: Kushner is the founder of VC firm Thrive Capital and cofounder of health insurance startup Oscar Health. Kloss is a prominent model who also runs coding camps for young girls called "Kode with Klossy."

Their backstory: Kloss and Kushner have reportedly been dating since 2012. The couple got married in October 2018. The couple tied the knot for a second time in June at a western-themed reception on a ranch in Wyoming.

Read more:Jared Kushner's brother has married model Karlie Kloss. Here's everything we know about the power couple.

Jen Rubio & Stewart Butterfield

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For real this time 💗💍 I love you forever @stewartpic.twitter.com/Dt0Yd6syDt

Who they are: Rubio is the cofounder and president of luggage startup Away, and Butterfield in the cofounder and CEO of work messaging platform Slack.

Their backstory: The relationship between Rubio and Butterfield has flew under the radar, but it came under the spotlight in May when Butterfield jokingly proposed to Rubio on Twitter. Butterfield's Twitter proposal followed news that Away had landed a $1.4 billion valuation, and the Slack CEO joked he wasn't "just a goldigger."

Butterfield and Rubio both acknowledged the proposal was a joke, after a few hours. However, it seems Butterfield had apparently been waiting for Memorial Day weekend to propose — for real, this time — to Rubio.

Evan Spiegel & Miranda Kerr

Who they are: Spiegel is the cofounder and CEO of Snap Inc., Snapchat's parent company. Kerr is one of the highest-earning models in the world and founder of wellness company KORA Organics.

Their backstory: The couple started dating in 2015, and got married in May 2017. They have one son who was born in May 2018, and they just confirmed they're now expecting their second child together.

Read more: Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and supermodel Miranda Kerr are expecting their second baby. Here's a look inside their whirlwind romance.

Priscilla Chan & Mark Zuckerberg

Who they are: Zuckerberg is the CEO and cofounder of Facebook. Together, the couple launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a philanthropy focused on science and education.

Their backstory: The two are college sweethearts, and met in 2003 while they were students at Harvard University. The couple were married in a surprise ceremony in May 2012, the day after Facebook went public. The couple has two daughters, who were born in 2015 and 2017.

Read more:The 12-year relationship of college sweethearts Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian

Who they are: Ohanian cofounded Reddit, then later cofounded the VC firm Initialized Capital. Williams is one of the best tennis players in the world, and ranks third on the all-time list of most winning players with 39 major tournament titles.

Their backstory: The couple met in May 2015 in Rome, and started dating that same year. They got engaged at the end of 2016 at the same place in Rome where they had first met. Williams gave birth to the couple's daughter in 2017, and they got married later that year.

Read more: How Reddit cofounder Alexis Ohanian and tennis superstar Serena Williams met and fell in love

Bill Gates & Melinda Gates

Who they are: Melinda Gates cofounded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with her husband in 2000. Bill Gates is the cofounder and former CEO of Microsoft, and the second-richest person in the world.

Their backstory: Bill Gates first asked out Melinda Gates at a Microsoft company picnic after she was hired as a product manager in 1987. They dated for seven years before they got married. The couple's philanthropic organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has invested billions of dollars in efforts to enhance healthcare globally and reduce poverty. The Gates's have two daughters and a son together as well.

Read more: Inside the marriage of Bill and Melinda Gates, who met at work, live in a $124 million home, and will leave their children only a small fraction of their $98.1 billion fortune

Marissa Mayer & Zachary Bogue

Who they are: Mayer is the former CEO of Yahoo, and the cofounder of tech incubator Lumi Labs. Before that, she was Google's 20th employee. Bogue is a cofounder and managing partner at the investment firm Data Collective VC.

Their backstory: The couple met through a mutual friend in 2007, and got married two years later. Mayer announced her first pregnancy in 2012 on the same day she was publicly named Yahoo's CEO. She gave birth to identical twin girls in 2015.

Read more:The luxurious life of Marissa Mayer, the CEO who just sold Yahoo to Verizon for $4.8 billion 

Sheryl Sandberg & Bobby Kotick

Who they are: Sandberg is the COO of Facebook, where she's worked since 2008. She's also well-known for her 2013 book "Lean In" about women in the workplace. Kotick is the CEO of Activision Blizzard, the video game company behind "Call of Duty," "Overwatch," "World of Warcraft," and other popular games like "Hearthstone."

Their backstory: Sandberg was first married to tech executive Dave Goldberg until he died unexpectedly in 2015 at 47 years old. Sandberg has a son and a daughter from the marriage.

Sandberg and Kotick were already "old friends" by the time they started dating, The Guardian says.

Read more:A day in the life of Sheryl Sandberg, who uses an old-school notebook, likes 'bad TV,' and goes to bed before 10

Marc Benioff & Lynne Benioff

Who they are: Marc Benioff is the founder and CEO of enterprise cloud company Salesforce, known for his philanthropic efforts to combat Bay Area homelessness. Lynne Benioff is a notable philanthropist on the board of the nonprofit ONE. 

Their backstory: The Benioffs were married in 2006, although details of their Hawaiian wedding were kept secretive. In 2018, the couple bought Time Magazine together for $190 million.

Read more:The rise of Marc Benioff, the bombastic Salesforce CEO who's buying up Time Magazine for $190 million

Dave Morin & Brit Morin

Who they are: David Morin helped to create Facebook Platform and Facebook Connect, and cofounded Path, a now-defunct photo-based platform. Brit Morin is the founder of Brit + Co., a popular lifestyle media company for millennial women.

Their backstory: The pair first met when they both were working at Apple years ago. They got engaged in 2011 after an elaborate proposal set in the Maldives, and got married the following year.

Read more: What's Tough And Awesome About Being A Well-Known Couple In Silicon Valley

Kevin Hartz & Julia Hartz

Who they are: Kevin Hartz and Julia Hartz cofounded the ticketing startup Eventbrite in 2006. He is currently a chairman at the company, while she serves as CEO.

Their backstory: The couple met back in 2003 at a mutual friend's wedding. In a 2012 interview with Business Insider, Julia Hartz said that "we knew we wanted to start a company together before we lived together." The pair got married in 2006, and now have two children.

Read more: How To Marry Your Cofounder And Not Kill Your $200 Million Startup In The Process

Barry Diller & Diane von Furstenberg

Who they are: Diller founded the Internet company IAC in 1995, and now serves as a chairman for that company and for Expedia. Furstenberg is a notable designer with an eponymous fashion company who first rose to fame after marrying into a royal German family.

Their backstory: The couple got married in 2001 following an "on-and-off relationship" that spanned "several decades." They first met years earlier in the 70s at a party Diller was hosting.

Paul Graham & Jessica Livingston

Who they are: Graham and Livingston helped found Y Combinator, a wildly successful startup accelerator program that's produced companies like Dropbox, Airbnb, and Stripe. 

Their backstory: The pair started Y Combinator in 2005 while they were already dating. They got married in 2008, and now have two sons. 

Read more: Paul Graham Founded Y Combinator 7 Years Ago To Create A Job For His Wife

Diane Greene & Mendel Rosenblum

Who they are: Greene and Rosenblum both helped found the cloud computing software company VMware in 1998. They also together cofounded the cloud startup Bebop, which Google acquired in 2015. Greene was put in charge of Google's cloud computing unit, and now sits on Alphabet's board of directors.

Their backstory: The couple met while attending the University of California, Berkeley, when Rosenblum gave Greene a ride on his motorcycle. They have two children together.

Emily Weiss & Will Gaybrick

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Who they are: Weiss is the cofounder and CEO of online makeup company Glossier. Gaybrick is the chief financial officer at payment platform Stripe. Both startups are worth more than $1 billion.

Their backstory: There's not a lot about their relationship that's been made public. The first picture of the couple on Weiss' Instagram is from New Years Day of 2019.

• If you've recently switched what browser you use on your Mac, knowing how to change your "default browser" will be useful.
• Apple Macs come with Safari pre-loaded as the default browser, meaning that Safari will open automatically when you click on certain links. 
• Because of compatibility issues with some websites, using other browsers instead of Safari may be optimal.
• You can change the default browser in your Mac's general preferences, or by scrolling through options in an alternative browser.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple Macs come with Apple's web browser Safari built in as the "default browser." This means that Safari will open automatically when you click certain links, even if you don't want it to. 

While Safari is a fast web browser and works well for most web needs, there are drawbacks to using it. One of these drawbacks is that for some websites, other browsers can be faster — for example, Google Apps work better in Google's own browser, Chrome. Other websites might not work with Safari at all. 

There are two ways to change your default web browser on a Mac. The first is to change it through your System Preferences. The second method allows you to change the default browser through the settings of the new browser you have already downloaded. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook (From $1,299 at Apple)

How to change your default browser in your Apple Mac's general preferences

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner.

2. Scroll down to select "System Preferences."

3. Click on "General" in the upper left corner.

4. Click on "Default Web Browser" to open a dropdown menu.

5. Click on any other web browser you've already downloaded on your computer to set that as your default browser.

How to change your default browser through another browser's settings

There are dozens of different web browsers you could be using, and the exact method for setting them as your default browser is slightly different for each. Here, we'll use Google Chrome as an example.

1. Open Chrome.

2. Click on "Chrome" in the Menu Bar.

3. Scroll down to and select "Preferences."

4. Scroll down to "Default Browser" (in Google Chrome, this is the second-to-last item).

5. Click on "Make Default Browser."

6. A window will pop up asking if you want to "Keep 'Safari'" as your default or "Use 'Chrome.'"

7. Choose "Use Chrome."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to set up and use iMessage on a Mac computer, and sync it with your iPhone or iPad using iCloud

• 'Why is my Mac so slow?': 6 ways to speed up your Mac computer when its performance is lagging

• How to turn on any Mac computer's built-in camera, or troubleshoot it if it's not working

• How to change your account username on a Mac computer, if you bought a pre-owned Mac or otherwise need a name change

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops you can buy

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NOW WATCH: Watch Ford's delivery robot that walks on two legs like a human

• In Japan, people aren't having sex.
• That means they're not having babies either, and the declining fertility rate is creating a demographic time bomb.
• The Japanese government is going to all sorts of lengths to defuse it, from offering free childcare to organizing speed-dating events.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Japan's demographic time bomb is ticking, and the clock started with the country's "celibacy syndrome": sekkusu shinai shokogun.

People aren't having enough sex, and therefore aren't having enough babies. But abstinence isn't the only driver behind the declining fertility rate — expensive child care, a declining marriage rate, a discriminatory workplace, and a lack of good jobs are also at play, reports Anabelle Timsit for Quartz.

Japan, which is hosting its first ever G20 Summit in Osaka this month, also has an extreme work culture, according to Keisuke Nakashima, associate professor at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and senior associate at the Global Aging Institute. He previously told Business Insider employees are expected to work into the night, go out drinking with colleagues, and potentially move across the country or elsewhere for career opportunities.

"If you are single, it is difficult to find a good and right partner for marriage," Nakashima says. "If you are married, and if both husband and wife work like this, there's a slim chance to have a baby. No time or no energy left. If you want a baby, you (typically your wife) face a choice — continue to work or quit your job and have a baby. There's a trade-off here."

In 2014, Japan's birth rate hit a record low at just over 1 million infants — the same year that saw 1.3 million deaths, reported Business Insider's Drake Baer. That's a recipe for a population crisis.

By 2065, Japan's population could dip from 127 million people to 82 million, Timsit wrote, citing Japan's National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.

Fewer babies could result in a troubled economy marked by labor shortages and disintegrating social security, according to Timsit. Not to mention the possibility of extinction—  one team of economists set up a "countdown clock" to track the seconds until the last baby is born (currently in the year 3776).

Read more: 9 signs Japan has become a 'demographic time bomb'

The Japanese government is going to great lengths for more babies

The Japanese government has been implementing extreme measures to prevent the demographic time bomb from exploding.

In 2016, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared that Japan will raise its fertility rate from 1.4 to 1.8 expected children per woman. His proposed key policies include establishing a work-life balance, improving childcare systems, and encouraging marriage.

But the government's efforts began around 25 years ago. Since then, reported Timsit, it has established parental leave for up to a year following childbirth under partial pay; invested in subsidies for elderly care, childcare, and education; offered free preschool for children ages three to five and free childcare for low-income households with young kids; and required large companies to set goals for hiring or promoting female executives.

Meanwhile, more than 500,000 new public daycare slots have opened since 2013. Timsit reports that one town offered new moms the equivalent of $2,785 and subsidies for child care, housing, health and education.

Some local governments are even organizing speed-dating events to make matches happen more quickly, and people are trying to re-masculinize men to get them away from "celibacy syndrome."

According to Timsit, the number of Japanse women working today has increased by more than 2 million over the past six years. But despite the efforts and improvements, challenges persist. Preschool isn't always accessible and there's a cultural stigma underlying work and childcare — mothers who take parental leave face discrimination upon their return.

Across the globe, the developed economies that have the highest birth rates are the ones with the greatest female labor participation. The data shows that to make having kids make sense for people, professionals need to be able to do so while keeping their careers on track. 

SEE ALSO: Japan's huge sex problem is setting up a 'demographic time bomb' for the country

DON'T MISS: Japan isn’t ready for the ‘new reality’ of its baby crisis

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How $100,000 custom pool tables are made for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift

• iPhones are precisely made machines, so in the process of figuring out how to fix a cracked iPhone screen yourself, you run the risk of doing even more damage. That's why you should usually let a professional look at it.
• Your standard iPhone warranty doesn't cover accidental damage to the screen, so if your iPhone screen is cracked, you'll be paying for the repair one way or another.
• Using a screen repair business not officially affiliated with Apple may be cheaper, but can also void your iPhone warranty, so think carefully before handing it over to a repair store.
• iPhone screens are made of glass, and when broken can create dangerous shards and sharp edges, so don't put off repairing a broken screen.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Recently, I was jogging from my car to a pizza shop to pick up dinner for the family, carrying my keys and iPhone in one hand, while digging through my wallet for cash with the other, not being careful with either.

In the midst of jostling the items about, my venerable iPhone 6 took a dive and hit the edge of the curb screen-first. Cracked doesn't begin to do the damage justice; the screen was positively shattered, so crisscrossed with cracks that it could hardly turn on.

Since it was an older phone and I was due for an upgrade anyway, the solution was simple: to replace my cracked iPhone screen, I simply bought a new phone. 

If your iPhone's screen is damaged, and the phone is out of warranty and you don't have AppleCare+ coverage, a new phone may well be the way to go — at least you can apply the value of a trade in to your new phone. 

Replacing the screen of an iPhone X without a warranty or AppleCare+ plan costs $279. An iPhone 8 Plus or 7 Plus screen costs $169. And an iPhone 6 screen replacement costs $129 if you don't have coverage.

The cost of replacing an iPhone screen if you do have AppleCare+ coverage? $29 for all models.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone Xs (From $999 at Apple)

iPhone 8 Plus (From $599 at Apple)

iPhone 7 Plus (From $449 at Apple)

iPhone 6 (From $139 at Best Buy)

OtterBox Defender Series (From $14.95 at OtterBox)

Belkin Screen Protection for iPhone X/XS (From $19.95 at Apple)

How to protect an iPhone screen

The best plan for dealing with a cracked iPhone screen is to prevent the damage in the first place. Always use a screen protector, and consider using a rugged case that fully encapsulates the phone, like an OtterBox Defender Series case.

Just make sure you replace a screen protector or case if it's damaged, as it won't perform as well thereafter.

How to repair cracked iPhone screens

If your phone is under warranty, or you paid the $5.99 for AppleCare+ coverage, your iPhone is covered for up to two incidents of accidental damage with only a $29 fee added for screen repair, so by all means use Apple to fix that broken screen.

You can bring a damaged iPhone to an Apple store or a licensed service provider for a screen replacement, which can often be completed that same day, or you can mail your iPhone to Apple in a shipping box they provide at your request. Expect to be without your phone for one long, grueling week, but if you live in an area without easy access to Apple stores or partnered locations, this is a fine option.

If your iPhone doesn't have a coverage plan, then you can try bringing it to a cheaper screen repair shop. Just make sure you backup the iPhone to iCloud first, as you never know if the cut-rate operation may end up accidentally damaging your phone. If this occurs, it may also void any iPhone warranty you have.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to backup your iPhone to iCloud or a computer

• 'Why won't my iPhone charge?': How to diagnose and fix common iPhone charging problems

• A guide to iPhone overheating: Why your iPhone can get excessively hot, and how to fix it

• How you can easily delete all the photos on your iPhone at once

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone cases for every model

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NOW WATCH: Watch Apple's 2019 WWDC event in 11 minutes

• There are plenty of great blenders out there, but most of them will run you a good amount of money.
• I've had the Magic Bullet Blender ($30) for over 10 years, and I swear by it.
• While it's not the most powerful blender out there, this budget buy is a great pick for anyone who is trying to save some space and money.

Growing up, I indulged in the simple pleasure of TV breakfasts, which meant eating sugary cereal on the couch and watching infomercials. To clarify, I didn't only watch infomercials, but as any '90s kid knows, the good stuff usually didn't come on until 8 a.m. So, in the wee hours of the morning, before I could watch "30 Minute Meals" with Rachael Ray or "Even Stevens" (I had eclectic taste as a child) I learned about all of the latest and greatest gadgets like Moon Shoes and the Treadclimber by Bowflex.

There was one device that always piqued my interest: the Magic Bullet blender. In the infomercial, the two hosts operated the blender with ease — in minutes they had churned raw almonds into a creamy nut butter, transformed chunks of tomatoes and avocados into delicious guacamole, and precisely grated blocks of Parmesan into the perfect pasta topping. Was it, dare I say, magic?  

Whatever it was, I was hooked. I wanted this blender. No, I neededthis blender. The problem was I didn't have any money of my own to buy it. So, I waited. And, when a $50 gift card to Walmart fell in my lap at age 12, well, you know what I bought. 

Fast forward to 2019 and here I am patting my young self on the back for being oh-so wise, because I still own and use my Magic Bullet blender. 

To be frank, this is by no means the best blender out there. But, that doesn't mean you should stop reading. I think there's a blender out there for everyone — one that fits your specific cooking needs, style and budget preferences. If you're looking for something that doesn't take up much counter space, is very affordable, and gets the job done — the Magic Bullet is a solid option. 

What you get:

I have the most basic Magic Bullet bundle, which includes 11 pieces (most of which happen to be dishwasher-safe). For $29.99, you get the power base, one cross blade, three different sized cups, two comfort lip rings, two resealable lids, one to-go lid, and an additional recipe book. You can also buy bundles that come with more pieces, or choose to purchase upgrade kits if you realize you need more cups or blades. 

Eleven pieces might seem like a lot for one blender, but I've found that the multiple pieces are one of the blender's biggest assets. Rather than one large cup and power base, the Magic Bullet gives you a few smaller ones. This makes prepping a breeze. If you want to make almond butter, for example, you can fill the small cup with all the ingredients you need, twist on the blade and blend. Then, once it's done, just screw on one of the resealable lids and store the cup in the fridge. The same goes for bringing smoothies on the go. Instead of having to transfer everything from the blender to a travel mug, you just twist on a to-go lid and your set. This makes the cleaning process a breeze, as there are significantly less dishes to deal with. It also saves lots of time since the cups function have multiple functions. 

One downside of this system is that the cups are small. I find them to be perfect for single-serving smoothies, which is usually what I use them for. But, if you're trying to make a batch of smoothies for a family, a larger blender may be better for you.

How it works:

As I mentioned above, the Magic Bullet is definitely not the most powerful blender out there. If you're used to using a high-tech workhorse like a VitaMix, you may be underwhelmed, because when it comes to technology, it's usually safe to say that you get what you pay for. It would be unfair to judge this $30 blender against a $430 one. If you're cognizant of that, and if you're just looking for a gadget that can do simple things like blend and puree, the Magic Bullet is more than enough.

To use the blender, all you have to do is pop it into the base and push it down with a little pressure to get it started. It really is that simple. After some trail and error of my own, I now make sure to add some liquid to smoothies to help the blades crush all of the frozen fruit. More expensive blenders have tamper tools to help you get all of the ingredients close to the blades, but the Magic Bullet doesn't. Instead, you can take the cup off the base and shake it up to redistribute ingredients and get a more even blend.

What's impressed me most about how this blender works though is how long it's lasted. I've had it for over ten years and it's still working just fine. Considering that's longer than I've had any laptop, phone, or other tech gadget, I'm shocked that this still works and think that speaks to the quality of the product.

Bottom line:

For $40, the Magic Bullet is a great buy. It's an average blender with some above-average specs. The cup system makes taking food on the go easier than ever. The dishwasher-safe attachments make cleaning a breeze, and the small size makes storing the base and attachments simple, taking up barely any space on your counter or in the cupboard. One day, I'd like to think that I'll invest in a nice blender like a VitaMix on my own, but until the time comes, I'll be sticking with my trusty Magic Bullet. 

Buy the Magic Bullet Blender for $29.99 on Amazon or $39.99 on Bed Bath & Beyond.

Join the conversation about this story »